Once the presents are opened, the cookies are eaten, and the family has gone home, it is time to start to decompress and evaluate the holiday season.

First you have to think about what things you would add, change or keep the same. Think about some of these things:

What were your favorite things this season that you wouldn’t change?

What changes would you make to have the holidays go a little easier?

What did you absolutely dread doing this holiday season and how can you make it better next year?

Do you feel like your family left the season experiencing the magic and joy of the season? How can you change things to recapture these feelings?

Were you calm or stressed during the season?

What things do you wish to add to next year’s season?

This is a great way to remember changes or additions when the holiday season planning rolls around next year! While you are taking down decorations, write of a list of supplies you may need and decor that needs to be replaced. This is also a great time to think about recipes you came across and want to try and ones you don’t want to make again.

It’s never too early to start thinking about lists! Make a list of all the different people you purchase or make gifts for and write down ideas as the year goes on. I also make a list of ideas for our Elf on the Shelf, Alex, and fun activity ideas we want to try next year. I like to keep all these things stored in Evernote, but a written list works just as well.

Enjoy the magic of these last few days, but also take some time to reflect on how to make next year’s season more enjoyable!